SMC still keen on Bulacan airport project

MANILA, Philippines - San Miguel Corp. (SMC) is hopeful it can proceed with its proposed new airport to be located in Bulacan.

“The unsolicited proposal for the airport has already been submitted to the DOTr (Department of Transportation) and I think Secretary (Arthur) Tugade is evaluating it and we have been continuously in talks about technical matters. So, I hope soon, DOTr can decide on it,” SMC president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang told reporters.

The DOTr said SMC is planning to spend P700 billion for the proposed international airport in Bulacan.

Of the 2,500 hectares to be covered by the project, 1,168 hectares will be an airport complex, while the remaining 1,332 hectares will serve as a city complex.

Construction of the new airport is expected to be completed in six years after it is approved by the government.

Earlier, Manuel Antonio Tamayo, undersecretary for the aviation sector at the DOTr, said the government has decided to put on hold the unsolicited proposal of SMC for a new airport, as well as the proposal of All Asia Resources Reclamation Corp. for an international airport, seaport as well as mixed use development in Sangley to focus on how to address congestion at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

“It’s still there. It’s still being considered. But it’s not immediate. It’s more of medium term. What we need now is the short term. We need to immediately decongest Manila,” he said.